Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday suspended Georgia's motor fuel tax for 30 days as the war with Iran continues to send gas prices soaring and voters press leaders to ease the strain on household budgets ahead of the November elections.

The governor's order begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and suspends the state's 33-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and roughly 37-cent-per-gallon levy on diesel. The break is expected to cost the state about $200 million a month, which Kemp is likely to offset by dipping deeper into Georgia's surplus.

"Over the past several years, with the help of our partners in the General Assembly, we've been able to give billions of dollars in relief to hardworking Georgians," Kemp said in a release. "We've remained committed to helping them and our small businesses fight through the tough times, and that's why I'm taking this action today to give further relief."

The move comes as fuel costs put increasing strain on household budgets statewide, where the average price for regular gasoline has reached $4.19 per gallon and diesel sits at $6.24 per gallon.

In addition to halting the fuel tax, Kemp's order suspends state weight limits on commercial freight vehicles, an effort aimed at lowering supply chain overhead and stabilizing the cost of consumer staples like groceries.

The temporary suspension is also expected to aid Georgia's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on diesel fuel during fall harvest operations.

State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper noted the timing is vital for growers who have watched diesel costs surge in recent weeks.

"This announcement means immediate relief for Georgia families struggling to afford gas and groceries and Georgia farmers facing diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks," Harper said.